Performers from Sacramento’s young performing ambassadors, Galena Street East, recently returned from a triumphant tour to Oahu, Hawaii. Galena was selected to represent the state of California in the 2011 "Festival of States" concert series. This summer, the Music Festival was set to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

For Galena Street East, this was their 39th good-will ambassador tour. They performed at various venues presenting "The Spirit of America." The ensemble, comprised of a select group of talented youth between the ages of 15 to 18, were featured performers at the iconic Polynesian Culture Center, Pearl Harbor, Shriners Children's Hospital, Ala Moana Center Stage, and the Lunalilo Center. The tour culminated with a concert on the USS Missouri, where the final documents of surrender were signed to end World War II.

“When another decade has passed, there likely won’t be any heroes left from the World War II generation," stated Richard Clinger, musical director for Galena Street East.

“Our performers felt honored to meet the two youngest survivors while we were performing at Pearl Harbor,” explained Jeri Clinger, director of Galena Street East. “As they thanked us for remembering, tears filled all of our eyes. This was our chance to pay tribute in song with patriotic and American-composed music to those who served, fought, and died for our freedom.”

As participants in the "Festival of States" they were treated to sightseeing around Hawaii’s most distinguishing landmarks. The group hiked Diamond Head, sailed on a Catamaran, enjoyed a snorkeling expedition around pacific coral reefs at Hanama Bay, and performed on a dinner cruise.

Beyond singing and dancing, service is a key component of being a part of Galena Street East. Members of Galena were honored earlier this year with the "Presidential Volunteer Service Award", which represents over 300 hours of service to the community and world in one year.

“Being a part of Galena Street East is not just about honing your skills and talents in music and dance,” expressed Jeri Clinger. “While we teach our young performers to excel in their talents, we also instill the desire to use their gifts to make the world a better place. We want them to see the good in the world, and the world to see the good in us as Americans."

“It was great to see not only the beauty of Hawaii but to also visit places like Pearl Harbor, and to see up close these historical landmarks that mean so much to our country,” said Alexis Busath, a member of the group from Sacramento. “This tour was the perfect combination of performing for the people of Hawaii, and experiencing Polynesian Culture.”

Galena will be making history of its own in Sacramento during its 2011-12 season. This year, the group will be preparing for its 40th anniversary performance of the “Holiday Tapestry -- A World Wide Celebration" extravaganza in December.

“We are honored to have been a part of the performing arts community here in Sacramento for 40 years. We look forward to an amazing Holiday Tapestry this December,” said Clinger. “This group of young performers is very special, and we are thrilled for what this year holds for us.”

For more information on Galena Street East go to www.galenastreeteast.org.